Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
CHINATOWN
This teeming, densely populated neighborhood, with its bright façades,
noisy markets, exotic temples, and ethnic restaurants and shops, is like a
city within the city - and a place every visit to San Francisco must include.
The atmosphere recalls a typical southern Chinese town, although the archi-
tecture, customs, and public celebrations are distinctly American hybrids on
a Cantonese theme. Overlook the tourist tackiness, check out some of the
side alleys, and give yourself time to take it all in.
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1. CHINATOWN GATE
A gift from Taiwan in 1970, this triple-pagoda southern entrance to Chinatown was
inspired by traditional Chinese village gates.
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2. PORTSMOUTH SQUARE
This was San Francisco's original town square - here, on July 9, 1846, the US flag
was first raised on the Bay, when the port was seized from Mexico. Locals now use
the area for
t'ai chi
and games of
mah-jong
.
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3. GOLDEN GATE FORTUNE COOKIES COMPANY
Fortune cookies were invented in San Francisco. Stop by to watch how the skillful
workers slip the fortune message in the cookie mixture, then fold it into the tradi-
tional shapes.
Golden Gate Fortune Cookies Company • 56 Ross Alley • 415 781
3956
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